by Peter Griffith
A play about bullying - serious, moving, rousing
What happens when exclusion, violence and digital attacks become part of everyday life?
“Sticks and Stones” takes an unsparing look at the topic of bullying - from the perspective of the victims, the perpetrators ... and those who simply stand by and watch.
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Tony no longer dares to go to school - a group of boys want to beat him up.
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Ruth is being bullied online – her life is a nightmare.
But who are the bullies? And what motivates them?
The play not only introduces us to the victims and perpetrators, but also focuses on the observers - those who look the other way or remain silent. Yet it is precisely in them that the greatest hope lies: because those who look can make a difference.
Performed using Brechtian theater methods, the play encourages reflection - and action.
“Sticks and Stones” - a powerful play in English about civil courage, compassion and responsibility.
Photos of 'Sticks and Stones'
Extract from the script 'Sticks and Stones'
| Victims: | all alone no-one to talk to on our own we suffer in silence Try not to cry Try not to show our pain Hoping they won’t do it again Can’t tell our parents They wouldn’t understand Can’t tell the teachers They’d only make it worse Can’t tell our friends What friends? The others are all on the side of the bullies Watching our misery, watching our pain |
Audio Excerpts from 'Sticks and Stones'
| Tony: | Early morning, about seven thirty. Mum, do I have to go to school today? I don’t feel well. |
| Mum: | Of course you must go to school, Tony. There’s nothing the matter with you. |
| Tony: | I’ve got a stomach-ache... |
| Mum: | No you haven’t. |
| Tony: | I’ve got a headache... |
| Mum: | You’re perfectly healthy. |
| Tony: | I’ve got a sore throat... |
| Mum: | Rubbish |
| Tony: | Mum - it’s my leg! I don’t think I can walk... |
| Mum: | Now Tony, that’s enough. It’s half past seven and I’ve got to go to work and you’ve got to go to school, and you can’t get out of it by pretending to be ill. Now here’s your bag, and here’s your lunch money. Now have a nice day at school, and do please try to get through the day without getting mud all over your clothes like yesterday. |
| Tony: | Mum...(Tony tries to cling to her) |
| Mum: | Now pull yourself together Tony. If you don’t go now you’ll be late. Now off you go. |
| Tony: | Yes mum. |
| Mum: | And make sure you buy something sensible for your lunch, and don’t just spend your lunch money on sweets and crisps |
| Tony: | No mum. |